In an extreme instance of self exotification, a Japanese company (with LucasFilm’s blessing) has come out with an expensive suit of samurai armor modeled after Darth Vader’s infamous suit. Once again George Lucas openly states that his main influence in creating the Vader costume was samurai armor, so this is truly Japanophilia come full circle. Even Vader’s distinctive red lightsaber is rendered as a katana. In a sense, if Vader’s original suit is a reappropriation the official samurai version is a re-reappropriation. Star Wars has been embraced around the world, and Japan is no exception. It is interesting that opposed to condemning the subtly imperialist tone of Lucas’ treatment of Asians and Asian society, many Japanese appear proud of the large cultural debt that the films owe to Japan. Now the “the circle is really complete.” Darth Vader has become a “Samurai Sith Lord.”

This image is owned by LucasFilm and is used here courtesy of www.starwars.com.